Our History
Did you know?
St Patrick's provides flexible study options for different needs. Students can choose if they want to study full time, part time or even study online from home.
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our history -
our philosophy
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useful information
| A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE We’ve been excelling as a business training college since 1923 and our reputation and performance continue to prosper. Formerly known as St Patrick’s Business College, we were founded by the Sisters of Mercy and later managed by CentaCare as part of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. Today, as St Patrick’s Institute of Education, we are an independent, not-for-profit educational institution for people of all cultures. We continue to do what we have always done – provide the most thorough training in business studies, in particular providing a bridge between school and a career in the business world. Like our students, we have always been high-achievers, with a tremendous rollcall of graduates who we have successfully placed in employment. |
 Typing to music, 1920's SPIE |
| We have progressed a long way from the once traditional courses in shorthand and typing to offer a range that includes full-time courses to Diploma level in Business Administration, Business and Marketing. |
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| GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT RESULTS Our core belief that change is possible and that the most important and powerful activity an individual can do is to learn and add meaning to their lives. We were all born with a desire to learn - human beings are naturally curious. St Patrick’s captures and harnesses this curiosity to enable great performance, great people and great results. St Patrick’s works within a framework of shared values that acknowledges individual differences, supports students needs and nurtures the growth of the whole person in a caring atmosphere and learner-friendly environment. |
 Today use computers! |
| St Patrick’s prides itself on its professional standards, respected reputation and its skilled and dedicated staff. The overriding message we wish to convey is that ‘We Value You’, whether you are a student, employer, employee or a partner organisation. | |
Who studies at St Patrick's?We welcome anyone of any background to St Patrick’s, so long as they pass the minimum academic level required to be successful at their chosen course. Many students are recently out of year 11 or 12 but we also welcome more mature age students who want to train with the best, to get the best work opportunities. Learn more here.What are your most popular courses?We are most famous for our full time Diploma of Business Administration course, but our Diploma of Business and Diploma of Marketing are also highly regarded, along with many other course options. Click here for more information. |
 Diploma and Certificate courses |
What kind of companies offer your graduates jobs?We are very proud of our students! Each year, almost all of them get excellent job offers or university places. Many top tier companies come to us each year with job opportunities, they include Blake Dawson, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Minter Ellison, Network Ten and The Police Association of NSW, to name but a few. Click here for more information. |
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Nearly 90 Years of Professional TrainingLike all successful things in life, St Patrick's has been evolving over it's almost ninety year history. But we love remembering where we came from: a top class training institution for young ladies who wanted to train to be one of the best administrative support professionals (secretaries) in Sydney. Back in those days it was quite something for a woman to have a successful career and of course she would have to give it up when it came time to have a family! Physical Culture classes were included in the curriculum. This included Deportment, Corrective and Health Drill, Breathing Exercises, folk and Classical Dancing which were all taught in an 'interesting manner' and were 'quite enjoyable to the students'. Happily, we have all progressed a long way since those days! Some things have changed a lot since 1926 |
| An excerpt from the 1926 Prospectus |
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"Parents are pleased to have the opportunity of placing their Daughters with us during the most impressionable years of their lives, that, whilst receiving a thorough Commercial Course, the Moral and Religious Training may not be neglected" |
Today, moral and religious training is no longer part of the SPIE curriculum and we have been welcoming male students for quite some time!
"Deportment Classes"
1930's class
Musical typing class
We introduced music to typing classes back in the 1920's to ensure our girls had a graceful and smooth flow when touch typing. This technique is still used today! In the 21st century being able to type is an essential business skill which allows all people at all levels to be more efficient. Our students find it very funny that we use the same classical sonatas 88 years on to great effect.
Touch typing 1926
The Debutant Ball
Our annual Debutant Ball was the talk of the town!
200 Debutants through the glass ceiling: Wentworth Hotel
Beautiful 1976 Debutant
Well into the 1970's we were graduating 200 debutants a year, in wonderful white gowns, in the ball room of the Wentworth Hotel. They all had their dancing lessons and gentlemen were invited from local colleges to ensure the ladies got a turn around the dancefloor! Today our young men and women who graduate, celebrate in a less formal style ...although they still know how to have fun.
Debutant 1976
A proud history and an exciting future
We love these images of days gone by, but like many of our students we are very proud of who we have become today. In 2012 we are delighted to be entering a new era, in new premises, with a fantastic new website and even a Facebook page, which we hope you enjoy and 'like'! We start the academic year with a plethora of new and existing courses which future Graduates can excel in and make us even more proud.If you are interested in being a future St Patrick's graduate, ensuring a superb skills base and a strong business career ahead, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your options.
Stephanie 1996
